How much does it cost?
Links marked * are commercial or go to our partner sites, which share our operator. Third-party companies may pay us commission. How we make money.
Typical UK costs for big life events and everyday outgoings: running a car, buying a house, raising a child, a wedding, a funeral, probate, divorce and more. Every figure is sourced from a primary or authoritative source.
- Cost guide
How much does it cost to run a car in the UK?
The RAC's 2024 'Cost of Motoring' report put the all-in cost of running a typical petrol or diesel car at around £3,000–£3,800 a year before depreciation. Add depreciation and the total real cost is often £4,500–£6,500 a year.
- Cost guide
How much does it cost to raise a child in the UK?
The Child Poverty Action Group's 'Cost of a Child' 2024 research put the basic cost of raising a child to age 18 at around £166,000 for a couple and £220,000 for a lone parent (excluding rent and childcare).
- Cost guide
How much does a UK wedding cost?
Industry surveys (Hitched, Bridebook) put the average UK wedding cost at £20,000–£24,000 in 2024. The venue and catering account for around half. A registry-office ceremony with a small reception can come in under £2,000.
- Cost guide
How much does a UK funeral cost?
SunLife's Cost of Dying Report 2026 puts the average simple attended funeral at £3,828 — £3,518 for a cremation and £4,758 for a burial — and a direct cremation at £1,628. Costs are highest in London (£4,897) and lowest in Northern Ireland (£3,105). These are survey averages; compare funeral directors' own price lists.
- Cost guide
How much does divorce cost in the UK?
The court fee alone for divorce in England & Wales is £593 (2025/26). Total costs vary from around £700 for a DIY uncontested divorce to £20,000+ for one with contested finances and solicitor representation.
- Cost guide
How much does childcare cost in the UK?
Coram's 2025 Childcare Survey put full-time nursery for a child under 2 at an average £14,500 a year (around £279/week). Costs are highest in inner London and lowest in the North East. The 30-free-hours expansion (from Sept 2025) substantially reduces this for working parents.
- Cost guide
How much does it cost to live alone in the UK?
Outside London, a single adult typically needs £1,800–£2,400 a month to live alone in a 1-bed flat to a basic standard. London is £2,500–£3,500+. ONS data and the Minimum Income Standard are the best benchmarks.
- Cost guide
How much does probate cost in the UK?
In England and Wales the probate application fee is £526 if the estate is worth more than £5,000, and nothing for smaller estates. Extra copies of the grant cost £2 each when you apply or £16 later. Solicitors' fees are set by each firm, and solicitors must publish their probate prices.
- Cost guide
How much does a will cost? Compare the help included
MoneyHelper lists DIY templates up to £30, basic non-solicitor will-writing often around £50–£350, and solicitor wills from at least £200. Complex work can cost much more. Treat these as broad benchmarks and compare current quotes for the same level of help.
- Cost guide
How much does a Lasting Power of Attorney cost in the UK?
Registering a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) with the Office of the Public Guardian costs £92 per LPA in England and Wales. Most people set up two (property and financial affairs, and health and welfare), so registration is £184 for one person making both types, or £368 for two people making both — plus any professional fees. Fees checked 12 September 2026.